Editorials

Keep the shelves stocked

December 7, 2012

Thanksgiving has passed, and the efforts of local food pantries and those who donated to them or delivered meals, helped feed many families during the holiday.

As usual, it was a tremendous effort that takes place every Thanksgiving as citizens help each other. The Lake Placid Ecumenical Food Pantry at St. Agnes Catholic Church served about 300 meals that were picked up by people in need at the church, or delivered in the Lake Placid community and beyond. Similar efforts took place in other local communities.

But it is easy to forget that the need for food donations is one that lasts all year. So as the Christmas season moves along, remember to take a moment to help keep our food pantries stocked.

Linda Young is director of Lake Placid's food pantry has said that the organization depends on local support. Charity begins at home, and food pantries are a prime example.

Keene Ecumenical Food Pantry Keene coordinator Pat Anderson said she is very grateful for all the community support her organization receives. But like most food pantries, they can always use more to keep the shelves stocked.

Shelves have been emptied at the Jay/Wilmington Ecumenical Food Pantry, which is now running low on food supplies (see story on page 14). Help is needed in the form of food or monetary donations.

There are several ways to help, not just the Jay/Wilmington pantry, but all such organizations. Local supermarkets such as Price Chopper have donation boxes where food can be conveniently given. Food donations can also be brought directly to the food pantries.

When food is being donated from one's own shelf at home, please remember to check the expiration date on the item, as it's not a good idea to donate food that might be spoiled. Most area food pantries can really use monetary donations so the pantry workers can purchase items that are really needed.

For those who may need the service of a local food pantry, but are too proud, remember there is nothing wrong with getting some help now and then. Anyone can be in that position at any given moment. And most pantries don't verify one's need - they are there to help others.

Now is the time for us as communities to come together and help out this vital mainstay in the fight against wont in the neighborhoods where we live.

Monetary donations can be mailed to the Jay/Wilmington Food Pantry; P.O. Box 26; Wilmington, NY 12997. Food items can be dropped off at the Reuben Sanford building next to the Whiteface Community Methodist Church on state Route 86, or when the church office is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call Don Morrison at 946-7192.

For more information on the Lake Placid Ecumenical Food Pantry, contact Linda Young at 518-523-9620.

In Keene, the Ecumenical Food Pantry is located in the back of the Keene Public Library. For more information on donating there, call Pat Anderson at 576-9964.

Let's all help keep our food pantries stocked always. One never knows when they will be the one in need.